Volume 2, Chapter 24: Raiden Mei's Transformation

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Currently, Honkai incidents on Coral Island occur infrequently, not warranting constant surveillance.

Xia Chen's primary duty remained teaching at Saint Freya Academy.

A week later, he faced a slightly troubling issue concerning Raiden Mei.

Initially, Xia Chen thought that overseeing Raiden Mei's additional training sessions after classes wouldn't demand much of his attention. However, unexpectedly, her progress was too rapid.

It wasn't about a sudden surge in power but rather the swift improvement in numerous techniques, reaching a point where there was little left to refine.

To advance further, she needed sparring partners.

Nevertheless, Raiden Mei found herself stuck at an awkward level of strength.

For Raiden Mei, facing Imperial Rank Honkai Beasts on the Memory Battlefield was still too challenging. While she could barely manage against the Emperor of Honkai, it remained strenuous.

On the other hand, lower-ranked Honkai Beasts were relatively easy for her, but they no longer provided significant opportunities for growth.

Raiden Mei's relentless pursuit of improving her strength led to frequent sparring sessions with Xia Chen, which had become a regular occurrence during this period. Naturally, from Xia Chen's perspective, these sessions held a certain allure.

Despite his mind reaching the tranquil state through Taixuan Sword Qi, it didn't mean all his desires had vanished completely.

As part of their exchange, Raiden Mei also taught Xia Chen the Hokushin Ittō-ryū sword style. However, Xia Chen felt that he might be at a slight disadvantage.

There was no denying the effectiveness of Hokushin Ittō-ryū; it could arguably match or even surpass Himeko's basic Valkyrie swordsmanship in some aspects. But with Moon Ash and Cloud Spear in his arsenal, Xia Chen found less urgency in mastering Raiden Mei's sword techniques.

Traditional martial arts like these fell short compared to the analytical breakdowns by Schicksal's Science Division.

Of course, he wouldn't refuse learning them nonetheless.

In the training ground, after sparring with Xia Chen, Raiden Mei stepped off the field to rest.

Bronya provided Raiden Mei with saline solution using Project Bunny, having stayed by her side throughout their training sessions. However, while Raiden Mei exercised, Bronya often played games on her handheld console.

To Bronya, physical training held no significant value. Her strength, at least currently, stemmed entirely from her equipment. Her power fluctuated directly with the capabilities of her armor—stronger when equipped with superior gear and weaker otherwise.

Raiden Mei frequently teased Bronya for merely finding another place to openly play games.

"Thanks, Bronya."

Raiden Mei quickly consumed half the bottle of saline solution. While her workouts had various effects, one notable improvement was her ability to drink water efficiently.

The current Raiden Mei lacked the gentle demeanor Xia Chen first encountered; instead, she exuded a sharper presence.

Xia Chen knew that the Herrscher's consciousness was increasingly influencing her character, transforming her more into the Herrscher of Thunder.

Bronya felt the same change, stating, "Big Sister Mei, there's no need to thank me; it's what I should do." The girl paused before adding, "However, Big Sister Mei, you've undergone significant transformation lately."

"Changes? Really?" Raiden Mei seemed taken aback.

"Yes, Big Sister Mei no longer appears hesitant. The recent training seems to have honed you like a sharp blade."

Bronya's description, though not eloquent, was quite accurate.

With slight hesitation, she asked, "Is there something troubling you, Big Sister Mei?"

"Not exactly trouble," Raiden Mei murmured, her gaze shifting towards Xia Chen as he rested on the other side of the field, feeling a mix of emotions.

"I don't know why, but I want to conquer him."

"Our ages are similar, and my talent isn't inferior, yet our strengths differ vastly. I'm still far behind."

"I must surpass him."

Xia Chen evoked complex feelings in Raiden Mei. On one hand, his presence brought her comfort, while on the other, it exerted immense pressure. She had always been fiercely competitive, unwilling to accept defeat.

Bronya pondered thoughtfully before tilting her head. "Bronya doesn't know what this state is called for Big Sister Mei, but based on 'HOMU Adventure' plotlines, it seems that Big Sister Mei might be falling for Xia Chen Teacher. Similar to how HOMEI likes Homu."

Suddenly blushing, Mei stammered, "Bronya, what are you talking about?"

"Did Bronya say something wrong?" She bluntly continued, "Otherwise, why would Big Sister Mei set him as her goal?"

Raiden Mei shook her head.

"I'm not sure. Rather than saying I like him, it's more accurate to consider us rivals competing against each other. Sometimes, wanting to surpass someone doesn't require any specific reason."

"Is this what Far Easterners call subtle affection?"

"Bronya finds it somewhat difficult to understand."

Mei didn't elaborate further. After finishing her saline drink, she resumed her training exercises.

Evening at Saint Freya's Valkyrie Dormitory.

Kiana pouted as she gazed upon the dishes before her, which, while visually appealing and aromatic, seemed somewhat lacking.

"Sashimi again? When will you make me some big drumsticks, Teacher Himeko?"

"Ladies don't eat chicken legs," Himeko quipped casually. "Consider yourself lucky to have sashimi."

"But I can never get full from just raw fish." Kiana sighed. "These thin slices disappear even before they reach my stomach."

"If you want them so badly, why not make your own?" Himeko suggested offhandedly.

Kiana's eyes lit up. "Mei, Mei! Can you teach me how to cook drumsticks later?"

Kiana decided it was time to take matters into her own hands for a more satisfying meal.

Seated next to Mei, Bronya spoke softly, "Kiana, Big Sister Mei is already quite tired. If you wish to learn, Bronya can download tutorials online for you."

"That's great! Once I master cooking, I'll be able to replenish Mei's energy with delicious meals."

"And homemade love lunches too!" Kiana began envisioning a future where she and Mei shared lovingly prepared bento boxes together.

Despite herself, Mei smiled warmly at the thought. Suddenly, she turned towards Murata Himeko. "Teacher Himeko, there's something I'd like to ask you about."

"What?"

"Well, it's about Durandal," she hesitated briefly before continuing, "I had a brief conversation with Teacher Xia Chen today, and he holds Durandal in high regard. He even mentioned that Durandal was once supposed to enroll at Saint Freya Academy. Is this true?"

Xia Chen and Raiden Mei didn't solely focus on training; occasionally, they would discuss matters related to the Immortal Blades to lighten the atmosphere. However, his clumsy words sometimes made things more awkward.

Himeko responded, "It's considered part of the academy's dark history."

Casually, she explained, "Durandal is renowned for her relentless dedication. Back when there were few students at Saint Freya and no concept of the Immortal Blades yet, we initially planned to bring Durandal here."

"But she found it too easy-going." Himeko looked at Kiana with a hint of amusement, "So if you aspire to be Schicksal's strongest Valkyrie, you must be prepared."

Kiana, cheeks puffed from eating a large piece of sashimi, huffed, "Well, I work hard too! I'm definitely going to become the strongest Valkyrie."